Best Sports Water Bottle To Use While Cycling

Keeping hydrated while cycling is important. And a sports water bottle can keep your beverage fresh throughout the day. But why invest in such a bottle? Isn’t a normal bottle just as good?

In short, no. A normal bottle can’t compete with a sports bottle, because the latter has been developed to address specific needs. Find out why you need it, or click on the links below to check out our top picks.

Whether you’re fond of road cycling, mountain biking, or you simply commute by bike, having water at hand at all times is essential. To do this, there are a few options you could consider. But if a hydration pack is too much for you, then you should find the perfect sports water bottle.

Wondering why a normal bottle isn’t just as good? Keep reading!

Why Use A Sports Water Bottle

There are a few reasons you should use a sports water bottle. The first and foremost important is because this accessory is manufactured specifically for sports. Of course, manufacturers put fancy names on their products, calling them cycling water bottles, running water bottles, fitness water bottles, and so on. But in the end, they are all similar and do the same thing. Namely, they provide easy access to water.

And that’s why a traditional water bottle bought from the store is not a good option when riding at 25mph. In fact, normal bottles usually come with screw caps that more often than not, will require you to stop and drink.

On the contrary, sports water bottles usually have beaks or nozzles that offer easy access to the vital liquid.

Then, if you want, you can even use a sports water bottle because it’s fancy. A great alternative would be a hydration pack, although this option is mostly preferred by mountain riders.

So, if you’ve decided to go for the sports water bottle, also consider equipping your bike with a high-quality water bottle holder, positioned on the frame and within easy reach. There are dozens of models on the market, and finding the right one for you shouldn’t be too hard.

How To Choose A Sports Water Bottle

Capacity

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a sports water bottle is its capacity. These bottles come in all sizes, from 12oz to 32oz, and you should decide which is the best based on your cycling style.

If you just use the bike for light recreational purposes, a 12oz bottle might be enough. If you love taking long rides or are training for a triathlon, for example, a bottle of at least 24oz is more appropriate.

Material

Sports water bottles are usually made of soft plastic or silicone, and that’s an important characteristic because it allows you to squeeze the bottle when drinking. Most bottles available on today’s market are made of BPA-free plastic or Tritan copolyester, two squeezable materials suitable to use during a heavy workout.

Cap

For cycling, a bottle with a self-sealing valve is the most appropriate choice. This will allow you to access the water with just one hand, by simply pulling the valve with your mouth while squeezing the bottle. But not all manufacturers make bottles with valves.

Some sports water bottles have half-turn caps or even lids that can easily be opened with just one hand.

You can obviously choose the closure you like best, but for the sake of performance, we recommend investing in a bottle that doesn’t require you to stop the bike to take a sip.

Shape

We’ve talked about capacity, but the shape of the bottle is also important. Most water bottle cages or holders accommodate slim bottles, but it’s hard to find one that fits a chunkier container. If you really like a sports water bottle that is chunky, try and see if it fits in your holder.

Insulation

The last thing to check is whether the bottle is insulated or not. An insulated flask will keep your water fresh for longer, and that’s a big plus. But because insulated bottles are usually more expensive than those without insulation, we wouldn’t advise investing in one unless you really need it.

Again, consider your cycling goals or style. For just a quick commute to work, an insulated bottle might be unnecessary. But if you’re planning to stay in the saddle all day and push your limits, an insulated bottle will keep your beverage fresh for longer.

Best Sports Water Bottle For Cycling

1. CamelBak Chute 1L Water Bottle

CamelBak Chute is one of the most popular sports water bottles on the market. It has a capacity of one liter, or about 33oz, and is made of 100% BPA and BPS-free hard plastic. The bottle is durable and leak-proof, provided with an angled spout that ensures a steady flow of water without spilling or sloshing.

This ergonomic drink interface is equipped with a durable spout cap that snaps into the handle, preventing it from getting in the way when drinking. On the other hand, the wide mouth opening ensures an easy refill of the bottle whenever needed.

The only thing we’re not quite fond of is the cap itself because it screws on the bottle and is trickier to unscrew with just one hand. However, the half-turn screw simplifies access to water.

On the other hand, a feature we do like is the shape of the bottle, which is engineered to allow a simple and comfortable handling of a full liter of water. Moreover, the bottle comes with the manufacturer’s lifetime guarantee.

Things We Liked

check

Leak-proof: the engineered cap is leak-proof, allowing you to comfortably carry your bottle without any sloshing or spilling.

check

Half-turn cap: although this bottle comes with a screw cap, its half-turn design provides easier access when riding.

check

Choice: the bottle comes in seven colors that are easy to match with your personality or with the color of your bike.

check

Material: the bottle is made of Eastman Tritan copolyester, which is a 100% BPA and BPS-free material. The transparent chute makes it easy to check the level of the liquid.

Things We Didn't Like

exclamation-triangle

The half-turn cap can easily unscrew, causing leaks.

2. CamelBak Podium Big Chill Insulated Water Bottle

Another sports water bottle we liked comes from the same manufacturer but is more suitable for cycling. This flask boasts a self-sealing Jet Valve cap that delivers a high and steady water flow.

The squeezable material allows you to drink with ease and without spills, while the secure lockout cap ensures leak-free transport.

The bottle is made of a blend of BPA and BPS-free polypropylene with HydroGurad.

The Podium Chill feature keeps the water cool, and the flask is engineered to preserve the taste of water intact, without transferring any strange flavors from the bottle to the water.

Another thing we like is the beauty of this flask. Available in a wide range of colors, each bottle is decorated with cheerful patterns that inspire dynamism. Although the bottle can’t do anything to keep you going, the design surely keeps you motivated.

Like most CamelBak products, this bottle also comes with a lifetime guarantee, while the capacity of 25oz is perfect for most outdoor activities.

Things We Liked

check

Jet Valve: the self-sealing Jet Valve cap is designed to deliver a high water flow, helping you drink with ease and without spills or splatters.

check

Double-walled construction: this bottle is made to keep your beverage fresh for hours, even in hotter weather.

check

Easy to squeeze: the lightweight and ergonomic design offer an excellent squeezability that doesn’t compromise grip.

check

Capacity: perfect for cycling, this bottle has a capacity of 25oz. The construction is 100% free of BPA, BPS, and BPF.

Things We Didn't Like

exclamation-triangle

The nozzle could leak.

3. Polar Bottle Insulated Water Bottle

Polar Bottle is an insulates sports water bottle that is perfect for cycling.

The squeezable design and the convenient nozzle ensure easy access and a steady flow of water, while the double-wall construction creates a powerful thermal barrier that keeps the beverage cool.

Made in America from 100% BPA and phthalate-free materials, this flask is also FDA and LDPE approved, which means you’ll have a guarantee that your water is kept in the best conditions.

Another thing we like is the removable carrying strap, that offers extra convenience. In fact, you can keep the bottle in a holder while cycling and carry it conveniently when walking or jogging.

Designed to last, this bottle has a capacity of 24 ounces and comes in multiple colors and styles. So, whether you love dynamic lines or flower-power patterns, finding the bottle that matches with your soul shouldn’t be too difficult.

Things We Liked

check

Thermal protection: this water bottle is engineered to provide a double thermal protection. On one hand, there is the double-wall construction. On the other, a foil layer reflects solar rays for additional protection.

check

Food-grade approved: Polar Bottle is manufactured in America. It boasts a durable, lightweight, and FDA-approved construction.

check

Environmentally-friendly: this reusable bottle is made from locally-sourced materials; it comes with a lifetime guarantee and is designed to reduce environmental impact while supporting local economies.

check

Style: the design is simply attractive. The bottle comes in multiple colors and styles and it has a capacity of 24 ounces.

Things We Didn't Like

4. Embrava Best Sports Water Bottle

If you’re not fond of leaking nozzles then a lidded bottle might be more suitable for you. In this case, a product to consider is the Embrava Best Sports Water Bottle. This flask is made of BPA-free Tritan copolyester and its premium craftsmanship pays off.

The bottle has a capacity of 32 ounces, and its slim design makes it easy to fit in a water bottle holder. The convenient dust-proof and leak-proof lead ensures easy access to the water, while the tough carrying strap allows you to take the bottle with you in all your adventures.

A thing we like is the reflective frosted casing that reacts to the environment, while the design is stylish and sleek. Available in four colors, this bottle is durable, easy to fill and easy to clean. It also comes in a beautiful gift box, that makes it a fabulous gift option.

A nice bonus is the 10 pages long “Hydration for Athletes” guide that will teach you which are the optimal hydration levels to help you reach peak performance.

Things We Liked

check

Design: this bottle boasts a sleek and ergonomic design. Coming with a dust-proof and leak-proof lid, the bottle provides easy access to the vital liquid.

check

Durability: this sports water bottle is made to last. It is made of BPA-free Tritan copolyester and boasts premium craftsmanship.

check

Bonus: a free hydration guide included in the box provides useful tips on how to keep hydrated during the workout. A free gift box is also included.

check

Guarantee: the bottle comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If the product doesn’t meet your standards, just ask for a replacement or full refund.

Things We Didn't Like

exclamation-triangle

The product doesn’t have a good resistance to impacts, so make sure you don’t drop it.

5. Pogo Tritan Water Bottle

Last but not least, another sports water bottle that impressed us is the Pogo water bottle.

Made of Tritan and boasting a capacity of 32oz, this bottle is stylish and sturdy. It comes with a chug-style lid with leak-proof cover and is great to use on a bike.

The BPA, phthalate, cadmium, lead, and PVC-free material ensures that no harmful chemicals are transferred from the bottle to the water, while the product has the right dimension to fit with ease in a standard water bottle cage.

Easy to carry, the bottle also boasts a soft touch carry loop. This allows you to use the bottle when jogging or walking, adding convenience.

Another thing we like is the choice. This bottle comes in seven vibrant colors that are easy to match with your personality. Easy to fill and clean, this is undoubtedly one of the most attractive sports water bottles on the market.

Things We Liked

check

Sleek design: this water bottle has a stylish and ergonomic design; it’s ideal for cycling and other sports.

check

Chug-style lid: the leak-proof cover ensures a quick access to the beverage, providing an ideal way to hydrate while on the go.

check

Chemical-free: this bottle is free of BPA, PVC, phthalates, lead, and cadmium. The food-grade material ensures your beverage is kept in the best conditions.

Things We Didn't Like

exclamation-triangle

The chug-style lid does an excellent job of preventing leaks while closed, but it opens easily and accidental leaks might occur.

Conclusion & Final Pick

Choosing the best sports water bottle from the many valid options out there wasn’t exactly a breeze. However, the one we like best is the CamelBak Podium Big Chill Insulated Water Bottle. This squeezable flask comes with a self-sealing Jet Valve cap that provides a steady flow of water.

The insulated material keeps the beverage cool for longer, while the big mouth opening allows an easy filling and cleaning of the bottle.

Coming in a wide range of colors and style, the bottle is also sleek and fashionable, while a carrying strap will allow you to take it with you anywhere. Backed up by a lifetime guarantee, and with a great capacity of 25oz, this sports water bottle is ideal for most activities and designed to keep you motivated.

Biking Expert is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

That being said, we only recommend products that we truly believe are worth it